𝐁𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐦𝐚, 𝐊𝐂𝐁 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲.

The County Government of Bungoma has entered into a strategic partnership with KCB Bank Kenya Limited to roll out solar power solutions across public health facilities in a move aimed at cutting electricity costs, improving service delivery and enhancing healthcare reliability.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed today at the county headquarters, will see the solarization of at least 20 priority health facilities in the first phase, including 10 sub-county hospitals and 10 high-volume health centres.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka said the partnership marks a major milestone in the county’s efforts to strengthen healthcare services through sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions.

“For a long time, our health facilities have struggled with high electricity bills, unreliable grid power and frequent outages, which disrupt service delivery. This partnership provides a practical and sustainable solution that guarantees reliable power, improves patient care and reduces operational costs,” said Lusaka.

The governor noted that the initiative will directly benefit over one million residents who depend on public healthcare facilities, while ensuring uninterrupted power supply for operating theatres, maternity wards, laboratories and pharmacies.

“This is a low-risk, high-impact investment that will strengthen our health system, enhance emergency response and improve the working environment for our frontline health workers. The long-term savings will allow us to redirect resources to essential areas such as drugs, staffing and medical equipment,” he added.

Under the partnership, KCB Bank will provide up to 100 per cent asset-based financing, conduct energy audits, mobilize approved engineering and construction contractors, and ensure system maintenance and lifecycle support.

KCB Group Managing Director Anastasia Mutai said the bank was proud to partner with Bungoma County in advancing green energy solutions for public service delivery.

“At KCB, we are committed to supporting sustainable development and climate-smart investments. This project demonstrates how innovative financing can unlock clean energy solutions that deliver both economic and social impact,” said Mutai.

She added that the solar installations will not only lower energy costs but also enhance service reliability, particularly in critical areas such as maternal health, diagnostics and emergency care.

“By powering health facilities with solar energy, we are ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services while contributing to Kenya’s climate action agenda,” she said.

The first phase of the project is expected to be implemented within 6 to 12 months, delivering 24-hour reliable power, reducing dependency on the national grid, cutting generator fuel costs and improving the performance of medical equipment and cold-chain systems.